“Pretender,” by C.J. Cherryh (DAW, 327 pages, $25.95)
The long process of getting to know an alien race is lovingly developed in C.J. Cherryh’s always intriguing Foreigner series. The books are centered on Bren Cameron. He has gone from being the translator between colonists and the native Atevi to being loyal to the Atevi leader Tabini.
The eighth book opens at the country mansion of a regional Atevi lord who detests the human interloper. Here Bren and the deposed Tabini have been reunited after Bren has returned with Tabini’s grandmother and son from a space voyage.
The forces that deposed Tabini are preparing to attack the house. Bren worries about clean clothes and looking proper for tea. He is single-minded about the importance of delivering his report on the danger the whole planet will be facing from a race of unknown aliens.
Despite Bren’s deep knowledge of the Atevi world, there are aspects of those closest to him he doesn’t understand. The Assassin’s Guild stood to the side as the government Bren knew was overthrown. His bodyguards have unknown roles in this shadowy organization.
Cherryh masterfully mixes action and adventure with a continuously growing portrait of one man and a race of aliens.
“Voidfarer,” by Sean McMullen (Tor, 397 pages, $27.95)
Inspector Danolarian of the Wayfarer Constables is the star of this amusing otherworld tribute to H.G. Wells’ “War of the Worlds.”
The eggs that have fallen on Scalticar come from the planet Lupan. The sorcerers of Lupan have made them to hatch tripods that can unleash death rays. Local lords who believe themselves military geniuses lead suicidal attacks against the invaders.
Danolarian doesn’t have a very impressive group of constables at his command. His deputy, Riellen, preaches revolution wherever she can, while another constable has been cursed to become a talking cat.
The inspector is in love with the magician Lavenci, but even she has been enchanted to prevent their relationship. She and her fellow sorcerers are the only hope in the last stand in Alberin.
The mysteries behind the constables are revealed in the midst of the invasion. These characters and the clever narrative make “Voidfarer” a very amusing scientific romance.
“Heir of Autumn,” by Giles Carwyn and Todd Fahnestock (Eos, 466 pages, $25.95)
This first novel by a pair of Denver collaborators introduces a well-developed sword and sorcery world.
Ohndarien is a special port city with a tradition of freedom. Brophy is eager to take the test of the Heartstone and assume his place among the rulers of the city. His father and uncles have never returned from their mission to the north. His aunt married Krellis of Physendria when his army was threatening the city. Their son Trent is Brophy’s best friend, but it’s a friendship that will only lead to trouble.
Shara has been training to be a Zelani since she was 7. She is ready to graduate as one of the magicians who channel sex for their power but finds a much darker world than she expected.
Brophy is betrayed and has to go into exile in the rival city of Physendria. The city is ruled by Krellis’ brother who is amassing an army to invade Ohndarien.
The city has a tradition of a brutal warrior game called “Nine Squares.” Winning this contest is Brophy’s only path to influence in the unfriendly place. This is a cleverly described very nasty version of the Olympics.
“Heir of Autumn” doesn’t spare graphic description of the sex and violence the young heroes experience. Carwyn and Fahnestock debut with a powerful story.
Fred Cleaver is a freelancer who writes a monthly column on new science fiction.
